What is the MSDN Academic Alliance?

The MSDN Academic Alliance is an annual membership program for departments that teach and utilize technology such as Computer Science, Engineering, and Information Systems departments. The membership provides a complete, inexpensive solution to keep academic labs, faculty and students on the leading edge of technology. (more...)

What this means to you, as a student and member of our department, is that you can have free access to a large number of software titles from Microsoft.

Who should I contact to obtain software, or find out more information?

Please contact your program administrator so that he can create an account for you on the e-academy web site. Once you have your e-academy account, you will be able to aquire the Microsoft software. Each title may be available in any combination of the following ways:

1. Purchase your very own copy at a drastically reduced price
2. Perform an Internet based install
3. Borrow the CDs from your program administrator

Keep in mind, not all titles are available using all three distribution methods. While you are logged on to e-academy, you can tell what distribution methods are available by selecting the title you are interested in.

What software is available through the program?

A complete list can be found here.

How long am I allowed to use the software that I receive from the MSDNAA?

Once the software is installed, you are allowed to use it for as long as you wish. You do not have to uninstall the software once a specific semester ends, or when you graduate.

Can I keep the CD that I used to install an application?

No. The CDs that you are given are on loan to you by the department. Once the software is installed, you must return the CDs. In addition, you are not permitted to make any copies. If you need to reinstall the software, please contact the program administrator.

The MSDNAA does make it possible for students to purchase their own copies of some of the titles, for a very small fee. This is an excellent opportunity, and you are encouraged to take advantage of it. However, keep in mind that this is only avialable for some of the Microsoft titles To see which titles logon to the e-academy web site.

What is a product key?

When you borrow, downlaod, or purchase any of the software titles, you will be given a product key. The product key is required during installation. This key can be used by Microsoft to ensure that you only install the software on a single computer. Once you install the software on your computer, you should not attempt to install it on any other machines. If you purchase a new computer, and you would like to transfer the software to the new machine, please contact the program administrator.

Can I share my product key with another student?

No. When you receive your product key, you should keep it in a safe place, and you should not share it with anyone.

I looked in e-academy but did not see the software I am interested in?

This just means that the program administrator has not gotten around to enabling that particular software title. To correct this, contact the program administrator and request that the specific titled be enabled.

If you have any questions about the program or this web site, click here.